MSC Fantasia is delivered

The long-awaited MSC Fantasia has been handed over to MSC Cruises .MSC took delivery of the 3,959-passenger vessel during a ceremony at the the STX France shipyard in St Nazaire earlier today.

The cruise line's chief executive Pierfrancesco Vago said the Fantasia would capture the imagination of guests and claimed that not only did the ship feature numerous technical innovations, the vessel also boasts environmentally friendly systems.

"She features the stunning MSC Yacht Club, which introduces a new concept in luxury sailing, and our signature MSC Aurea Spa, for the ultimate in well-being.

"With so much choice of activities and entertainment on board this visually stunning ship, I am sure you will agree MSC Fantasia truly is the most beautiful ship in the world," Mr Vago commented.

The ship's godmother was named as as Asia Aponte, granddaughter of MSC Crociere owner Gianluigi Aponte.

"... I would just like to thank you for your caring, professional and friendly attention to my partner's anxiety regarding our Christmas cruise on Ventura. I won't bore you with the details...but you made one hell of a difference.. thank you x ”